“When was the last time you felt truly still?” asks the wind as it circles the Evangelische Kirche am Markt. This church stands on Harkortstrasse. It whispers tales of resilience and renewal. The Evangelische Kirche am Markt was inaugurated in 1898. It experienced several alterations before World War II. Initially, the organ was positioned above the altar. Galleries flanked both sides, just below the present clerestory windows. This layout was modified to the current arrangement in 1936.
The Evangelische Kirche am Markt suffered a near-fatal blow on March 12, 1945. During one of Dortmund’s most severe air raids, a bomb struck, devastating almost the entire nave. Only the tower remained standing. Reconstruction was completed in 1956. The foundation stone commemorates this rebirth and sits to the left of the altar area. A comprehensive renovation in 1998 gave the Evangelische Kirche am Markt its current artistic color scheme.
Today, the Evangelische Kirche am Markt can accommodate 240 people comfortably. With full seating, it can hold up to 300. Regular services take place here on Sundays at 10:00 am. On the first Sunday of March, June, September, and December, services are held at 11:15 am. You can reach the Evangelische Kirche am Markt via the U42. Get off at the Harkort-Straße stop. From there, it is a short walk of about 350 meters.
Now, let’s talk about the Evangelische Kirche am Markt’s organ. Built in 1958 by Alfred Raupach, a Hattingen organ builder, it features electrical components by Bosch. Its design allows for the performance of old masters and romantic composers. It also plays new music. The organ serves liturgical accompaniment and concert performances well. This is partly due to the church’s excellent acoustics. These acoustics have even been used for CD recordings.
Concerts featuring orchestras and choirs are possible in and around the altar area. It offers ample space. The organ stage provides additional room for a choir or instrumentalists. The organ boasts an impressive array of pipes. The Hauptwerk features a Quintadena, Principal, and Spitzflöte. The Positiv includes a Holzgedackt, Prästant, and Blockflöte. The Schwellwerk offers a Holzflöte, Weidenpfeife, and Quintadena. The pedal has a Principal, Subbass, and Oktavbass.
The Evangelische Kirche am Markt is not just a building. It’s a testament to the community’s enduring spirit. It’s a place where music fills the air and history echoes through the walls. Take a moment to appreciate the blend of destruction and creation. The Evangelische Kirche am Markt stands as a symbol of hope amid the trials of time.